Great North Museum – Hancock
The Great North Museum: Hancock is Newcastle’s big free day out — a grand Victorian museum packed with natural history, ancient Egypt, Greek treasures and the story of Hadrian’s Wall, all under one roof. You’ll be greeted by a life-size African elephant and a full-scale T. rex replica, which sets the tone nicely: this is a museum that children genuinely enjoy rather than politely tolerate.
Location Details
- County: Tyne & Wear
- Post Code: NE2 4PT (Barras Bridge, on the Newcastle University campus at the north end of the city centre)
What You’ll Experience
- Living Planet: A two-floor gallery of wildlife and habitats, home to the elephant, the T. rex and some remarkable Victorian taxidermy.
- Hadrian’s Wall Gallery: Finds from along the full 73-mile stretch of the Wall, with a model showing every fort and milecastle — a brilliant primer if you’re planning a trip out to the Wall itself.
- Ancient Egypt and Greece: Real mummies and a superb collection of Greek art and archaeology — usually the rooms that stop children in their tracks.
- Planetarium: Short, family-friendly shows through the day for a small charge, widely regarded as the best value planetarium in the region.
- Mouse House: A dedicated space near the entrance just for under-5s, with regular activities for little ones.
Good to Know
- Cost: Entry is completely free (donations welcome), making it one of the best value family days out in the North East.
- Quiet times: Weekday mornings in term time are busy with school groups. For a calmer visit, aim for later in the afternoon on weekdays, or a Sunday.
- Getting there: Haymarket Metro and bus station is just a short walk away — far easier than driving, as city-centre parking is limited and pricey.
- Facilities: There’s a café and shop on site, level access with power-assisted doors, and lifts to all floors.
- Duration: Most families spend 2 to 3 hours here, though you can easily lose a rainy day.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby
For lunch, walk ten minutes into town to the Grainger Market — a Victorian covered market full of independent food stalls and some of the cheapest good eating in Newcastle — or carry on down to the Quayside, where the restaurants and cafés line up along the river. The streets around the museum and the university also have no shortage of coffee shops for a quick stop.
Make a break of it: Late rooms has a selection of hotels across the North East — a great fit for a Newcastle weekend —alternatively why not try a something special – a National Trust Holiday break. The National Trust has a range of special one off properties including Castles, stately home, Lighthouses, country cottages and homes by the sea.
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